But Welbeck, who saw Rooney provide the assist for Daniel Sturridge’s equaliser, reckons his club-mate can make a difference in their final two group games against Uruguay and Costa Rica, no matter what position he plays in.

"First and foremost, Wayne Rooney is a class player and I think wherever he is playing on the pitch he can make a massive impact," Welbeck said.

"I think all the forward players with England have the flexibility to move in and round, interchange positions.

"Obviously Wayne was on the left in the first game and in the second or third game he could be in a different position.

"Waz is the top all-time scorer for England currently playing, he has got 93 caps and he is very experienced. When he is on the pitch, he can make a difference."

The question of whether Rooney can make the same impact when deployed on the flank, though, is a key one.

"Wayne is experienced," added Welbeck when asked if playing out of position was getting to his club-mate."He can pretty much handle any situation. He has been through a lot in his career.

"You say he is playing out of position, but he has played there plenty of times for Manchester United as well.

"He has not just played there in the Premier League, but the Champions League semi-final and final so he is accustomed to that position and can play it well."